Practice patterns and career satisfaction of Canadian female general surgeons.
BACKGROUND
We wanted to study how female general surgeons in Canada manage lifestyle and career demands.


METHODS
All female Canadian general surgeons registered with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada were asked to complete a survey evaluating their practice patterns, personal lives, and levels of satisfaction related to these factors.


RESULTS
Eighty-five surveys (66%) were returned. Most respondents work in full-time clinical practices. While it was rare to find women in part-time or shared practices, 35% of women reported interest in these alternative models. Respondents described the necessary factors for a transition into alternative models. Job satisfaction was high (3.8 out of 5), with personal and parenting satisfaction being less highly rated (3.3 and 3.2, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Canadian female general surgeons have active and satisfying careers, although many would like to work in alternative practice models that better conform to their lifestyle demands. This pressure will have a significant impact on the future surgical workforce.
Hebbard
Pamela C
PC
Department of Surgery, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Wirtzfeld
Debrah A
DA
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008875:Middle Aged; D010822:Physicians, Women; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires